The Forth Valley Traditional Building Forum held a well-received traditional building skill demonstration in the centre of Stirling on 5 & 6 October 2017.

School children, and teachers, from McLaren High School, Stirling High School, St Modan’s High School, Balfron High School and Bannockburn High School were able to have a go at the traditional building skills being demonstrated by local tradespeople, Forth Valley College and Historic Environment Scotland. The skills on demonstration were roof slating, stonemasonry, painting & decorating and joinery.

The event was organised to raise the profile of the career available in traditional building sector as well as providing information and guidance to homeowners interested in repairing and maintaining their buildings.

The event was also visited by Dean Lockhart MSP, Mark Ruskell MSP, Bruce Crawford MSP and Stephen Kerr MP as well as several local councillors. The elected members kindly came down to talk with those giving the demonstrations and try their hand at the trades.

The event was a collaboration between Stirling City Heritage Trust, Traditional Building Health Check, Forth Valley College, Historic Environment Scotland, McRitchie Joinery, National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Scottish Contractors Group, Developing Young Workforce Forth Valley, Construction Industry Training Board and Stone Federation GB.